Before you rub your eyes to confirm this deal is legit, the free music is only available for U.S. customers who have Windows 8 and/or a Windows Phone — sorry Apple fans. To access the deal you must enter the “Holiday Freebies” section of Microsoft’s Music Deals app, select the album you want and click “Get it free” on the following page. You will be asked if you want to open the Music app and once you select “OK,” a simple click of the “Get it free” link below your selected album on the next page should initiate your download.
Basic math tells you free is greater than any other deal, but discount bundle packages are a close second. In addition to offering 100 free albums, Microsoft is also offering 50 “box sets” at 80% off or more, allowing you to download tasty selections like three albums of rare Nirvana songs from their 2004 box set With The Lights Out for $1.99.
Microsoft is no doubt hoping initiatives like this can help its Windows phone rise from the shadows of Android and Apple. According to reports from Comscore, Microsoft increased its share of smartphone sales in the U.S. from a feeble 3.3 percent in April to a slightly less feeble 3.6 percent in July. However, its share has remained stagnant at 3.6 percent from July to September.
Either way, if you’ve got a Windows phone, or an updated PC (and you’re still downloading as opposed to riding the Spotify train) you’ll want to get in on this sweet deal now.
